Sue Woodward

A Burntwood councillor says residents have been “left in the dark” over the development of a new health centre.

The facility was due to be built at Burntwood Leisure Centre, but work has still not begun.

After a query to Lichfield District Council leader Mike Wilcox, Cllr Sue Woodward has been told that the process of appointing a contractor has been “suspended” because of delays in negotiations with local GP practices.

Cllr Sue Woodward
Cllr Sue Woodward

But Cllr Woodward believes the town’s needs are in danger of being forgotten.

“Burntwood has already waited far too long for improvements to its healthcare facilities,” she said. “And now we find that the contractor hasn’t even been appointed yet.

“What is worse, is that the process to make this appointment has been suspended, yet residents in Burntwood have not been told.

“With the NHS reorganisation still bedding in, I don’t doubt that those involved have been distracted away from the promises made to us. Not for the first time has a reorganisation of the NHS caused more delay.

“The new body overseeing health services, NHS England, still has yet to approve the business case and its affordability and I am very concerned that, yet again, promises will be broken.”

Fellow Labour councillor Don Isaacs has also raised questions over the delay to the development.

“As ever, Burntwood’s needs seem to have been put on hold and I think we deserve a full explanation,” he added.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.